United's Ferdinand fears eased

Fears that Rio Ferdinand suffered a significant groin injury during Manchester United FC's FA Cup semi-final win against Watford FC have proved unfounded and the defender could even face Sheffield United FC in the Premiership on Tuesday.

Knock aggravated
The central defender limped out of United's 2-0 victory at the weekend after aggravating a knock picked up in the demolition of AS Roma four days before. Initial suspicions that Ferdinand could join Gary Neville, John O'Shea and longer-term casualties Mikaël Silvestre and Nemanja Vidić on the sidelines have been eased, however.

Home visits
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that the 28-year-old England international has a chance of playing against Sheffield United at Old Trafford, where United will be trying to enhance their current three-point lead over second-placed Chelsea in the Premiership. Sir Alex's men then have another home game against Middlesbrough FC on Saturday, before welcoming the visit of AC Milan for the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg on 24 April.